Robert Jones

I think the approach you may want to take is that the exposed wire can get knicked/damaged when left exposed like that. People are constantly going into the under sink cabinet for one thing or another. It is possible that wire could be damaged creating a shock hazard. And yes, I don't imagine the wiring is installed in any special "casing" in between the walls. They normally are not when enclosed in the wall cavities. Supported, yes.

Usually when I see that, they have replaced the main feed(service drop) from the street. Was it an overhead service drop? Did you test those clipped wires? My guess would be they are the old ones and just not removed. Either way that service panel and more than likely the service drop, needs to be replaced/updated.

The main issues with Zinsco/Sylvania is the possibility of arcing and contact point burn. Basically the breaker can get loose from the bus which, from what I have understood, is the main concern. That and most of the electric panel bus installed were aluminum.

Also some pics of the exterior that might offer an idea as to the drainage situation.

Thanks Mike, I told them it was beyond the "recommended" life span and could fail at anytime. I also told them that it is old and well beyond the life expectancy and should be replaced. Thanks again for your response. V/R

I am guessing that this water heater is dated to 1973. Any other ideas? I am not familiar with the brand. V/R Click to Enlarge 20.15 KB Click to Enlarge 31.97 KB

I think what happened was, the county guru came out and made sure that it wasn't actually attached to the manufactured home. Did not actually look at the construction of the thing. At least the guy that built it was consistent, the back deck was identical.

Jerry, As a life long Bears fan myself, you have to be excited at the possibility that DaBears finally signed a QB. I mean really, since Sid Luckman, we have been snake bitten. Angelo would have blown the 1st pick in the draft anyway. Go Bears!

I inspected a 11 yr old manufactured home today and the deck installed on the front a rear of the home were completed by the current home owner(flipper). As I was kneeling down to view the underside of the deck, I heard him say "the county said it was good". Just goes to show. Hope the pics show the quality workmanship. Click to Enlarge 50.45 KB Click to Enlarge 49.64 KB Click to Enlarge 40.48 KB Click to Enlarge 78.53 KB

Darren, I have been noticing this more and more as the inspections have dried up. One of the local hi co's in my area, offer's different levels starting in the low $100 range. I am just sticking to my guns and maintaining my pricing where it is. Much like anything else, you get what you pay for.

Great suggestion. I will mention that to my client. Thanks for taking the time. v/r

Thanks Richard. I think what your seeing on there is the plastic jacket that is "loose" from the wire itself. I did use a temp control device on the area and it was normal. I even ran the appliances that were listed for those breakers, ie; microwave(countertop) and hood fan. There was no change in the temp. The other 2 breakers were listed for the foyer and computer. I was thinking possibly one or more of the screws were loose. Either way, an electrician will be recommended. Thanks again for your reply. V/R

The home I inspected today was built on 1998. 200amp service panel, copper branch wiring, panel is full. When I removed the cover I was quite surprised to find scorching to some of the neutrals. I am guessing that somewhere within the envelope of the home, there is an illegal jump of some sort that might lead to this? Overload? Feedback is greatly appreciated. Click to Enlarge 69.08 KB Click to Enlarge 54.04 KB

Thanks Jim. I verbally explained to my client while on-site that as much as I hated punting, that in this case, a structural engineer is warranted and needed. My report simply states, "Action Necessary - The exposed portions of the perimeter foundation walls(back side) need action as there is evidence of failure. The extent of the damage is not included, due to the limited visibility, as a part of this inspection. Further analysis by a structural engineer is needed." V/R

Hey Mike, I would say that the drop, which happens rather suddenly rather than gradually, is approx 2-3 feet from that wall. What doesn't show very well, if at all, in those pics is the slight bulging where each of those cracks are. The one pic(where some chips are missing) almost looks like a previous patch. V/R

That's funny. So you don't need anymore pictures for evaluation purposes;)

This home was built in 1925, the lot does drop off toward the rear rather steeply(toward the water). The back foundation wall has numerous vertical cracks that expand toward the bottom. The basement does have a poured slab and there is a separation of approx 1/2" or so between the slab and the actual wall. I am attaching a few pictures to hopefully get some feedback from you guys. V/R Click to Enlarge 52.06 KB Click to Enlarge 54.2 KB Click to Enlarge 76.52 KB Click to Enlarge 59.68 KB Click to Enlarge 41.07 KB

Ha! I will include that as a possibility.

That is my guess. My clients became concerned that it was a meth house. I explained the difference, told them to check with the local PD, electric company and even the neighbors. It was just an odd setup and actually done pretty well:)

Inspection this morning on a home built in 1998, sold in 2000, and has been vacant for about 18 months or so. The bank did do some work to the interior of the residence such as replacing the carpet and lot's of ceiling repairs to the bedrooms. The second floor has 3 bedrooms, 2 on either end and one in the middle. The ceiling in the 2 bedrooms on either end have "patches", identical where it appears something cylindrical was attached, approx 8-10" wide. The middle bedroom, has 2 small holes in the ceiling which attach to a vent tube, which exits through the roof via the attic area. The middle bedroom has a GFCI installed on the ceiling. One of the bedrooms directly above the garage has an electrical feed connected to a 30 amp breaker(not labeled) which comes up through the floor. I am stumped. My initial thought was a grow operation, with ceiling vents installed. Anyone have an idea? V/R Click to Enlarge 19.25 KB Click to Enlarge 18.23 KB Click to Enlarge 23.71 KB Click to Enlarge 18.19 KB Click to Enlarge 56.68 KB Click to Enlarge 47.19 KB

Got it. Thanks Mike.

Mike, I was using the 2003 IRC but cannot find the exception under M1801.1. I referenced Chapter 16, Duct systems, return air(1602.1). I was thinking that since it was installed in a closet, that was part of the code. Is this section limited to gas furnaces? V/R,

Jodi, You have to call this as you see it. As Scott said, don't let your emotions get the best of you. Explain what it is that is wrong, let a qualified contractor/carpenter come out and make recommendations for repair and maybe they could meet halfway on the cost of repairs.

Jodi, Do you have a copy of the IRC? Check section M1602.2 Return Air, it states that Outdoor and return air for a forced-air heating or cooling system shall not be taken from the following locations: 4. A closet, bathroom, toilet room, kitchen, garage, mechanical room, furnace room or other dwelling unit. The unit in question is located in a closet and pulling return air from that location. V/R

Like John said, I don't think there is anything against it, just a lazy install. V/R